Mexico Renews US Shrimp Certification Amid Sustainability Push

Mexico renewed its shrimp export certification for the United States after achieving a 93% comparability rating in sustainability requirements designed to prevent the incidental capture of protected marine species, according to the National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA).

The certification, published by the US Department of State in the Federal Register in April, confirms that Mexico maintains measures comparable to US standards for reducing sea turtle bycatch during shrimp fishing operations. The result followed technical evaluations carried out between Feb. 20 and March 6, 2026, by personnel from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), who assessed the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) on shrimp vessels operating in Tamaulipas, Sinaloa and Campeche.

The United States remains one of the main international markets for Mexican shrimp producers, importing 13,884t annually with a value of US$142.8 million, according to CONAPESCA. In 2024, Mexico exported 10,536t of shrimp valued at approximately US$112 million, with 93% of shipments destined for the US market.

Sinaloa remains the country’s shrimp production hub, accounting for 46.64% of national output. Together, Sinaloa and Sonora represent 86.9% of Mexico’s total shrimp production. In 2024, Sinaloa produced 120,610t, followed by Sonora with 103,984 t and Nayarit with 10,342t.

Aquaculture dominates production volumes. In 2024, shrimp aquaculture generated 215,964t compared to 42,614t from capture fisheries. Sinaloa alone has 907 aquaculture production units dedicated to crustaceans, operating 7,304 cultivation ponds under extensive, semi-intensive, intensive and hyperintensive systems.

Overall shrimp production in Mexico has grown at an average annual rate of 2.19% over the past decade, positioning the country among the leading shrimp producers in the Americas. Domestic demand remains concentrated in Sinaloa, particularly Mazatlán, while Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey represent major inland markets tied to the restaurant sector.

CONAPESCA said the certification reflects the shrimp industry’s efforts to strengthen sustainable fishing practices. During 2025, 74 net manufacturers and 1,227 shrimp fishery crew members from Campeche, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, Sonora and Veracruz participated in workshops on the construction and correct use of Turtle Excluder Devices and Fish Excluder Devices (FEDs).

The agency said these actions are reinforced through coordination with Mexico’s Navy and the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) to improve monitoring, sustainable fishing practices and marine species conservation.

“The Government of Mexico, through CONAPESCA, recognizes the efforts of producers and congratulates them for their commitment to sustainability in shrimp production while respecting the species that share their habitat,” the agency said.